Ollie Hassell-Collins: ‘You see their tries but the focus is on doing my job and what's best for Leicester'
Hassell-Collins is relishing being back at Mattioli Woods Welford Road this weekend
©David Howlett
"With it [Mattioli Woods Welford Road] being known for being a hostile place, they turn it on a bit more for sure,” says Leicester Tigers winger Ollie Hassell-Collins ahead of Saturday’s clash with Harlequins.
The 26-year-old believes visiting teams raise their game when they come to the Midlands, but it was Hassell-Collins and the Tigers who stole the show in this fixture last season.
On that occasion, he crossed for two tries while fellow winger Adam Radwan ran in a hat-trick during a commanding 40-7 victory. Now, as Quins return to Leicester, Hassell-Collins is once again approaching the contest with razor-sharp focus.
"I think that's part of playing for Leicester, you know, with it being one of the biggest clubs in England."
With Saturday marking Leicester’s first home game of the season, Hassell-Collins underlined the importance of setting the tone on their own turf, particularly under new head coach Geoff Parling.
The former Tigers player has already impressed the squad with his blend of tactical clarity and emotional intelligence, and Hassell-Collins is hopeful that it can translate into a strong performance on the weekend.
"Geoff gets the emotional side that comes with a club," Hassell-Collins says. "He's given us a clear strategy, clear heads and clarity. Ultimately, when it comes to kick off, we can just go and rip in and just do what we've been working on all week."
Parling will be eager to secure his first Prem Rugby victory at the helm after a disappointing opening-round 42-24 defeat at Bristol Bears.
The Tigers will, however, be without new signing James O’Connor, who continues his international duties with Australia after being named in Joe Schmidt’s matchday 23 for Saturday's clash against New Zealand.
Hassell-Collins expressed his excitement about the impact O’Connor could have on the team: "It will be cool to get a different set of eyes, a different mind. Obviously, he’s been around the game for a long time, been to a few different places, has played in the Prem, knows what it takes, so it’s exciting!"
From a personal standpoint, Hassell-Collins will be looking to replicate last season’s prolific form, when he finished as the Prem's joint-top try scorer with 13 tries alongside Bristol’s Gabriel Ibitoye, while also hoping to add to his two England caps, last earned in 2023.
Up against fellow left-wing contenders such as Cadan Murley this weekend, Hassell-Collins remains focused on the team’s performance rather than England’s strength in depth in his position.
"You obviously think about it a bit, don't you?" he admits. "You see their tries, Radderz (Adam Radwan) scored two at the weekend, Ibitoye scored, Cadan played well, so you always just kind of know what's going on, but ultimately, when it comes to kick off, the focus is on doing my job and what's best for the team.
"As long as I'm just doing my job moment to moment, then I'm happy and we get the win at the end."
England head coach Steve Borthwick is spoilt for choice on the wings. In addition to the players mentioned by Hassell-Collins, the likes of Henry Arundell + Will Muir (Bath), Tommy Freeman (Northampton), Tom Roebuck (Sale Sharks), and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs) are all in contention as the autumn internationals approach.
From a Leicester perspective, there is also the prospect of a full Tigers back three earning England caps together, with Hassell-Collins lining up alongside Radwan and Freddie Steward.
“Yeah, 100%, that would be wicked,” Hassell-Collins says. "I think I've found over my career, the more you think about it, the more it gets in your head and then you think about other things and not what's going on.
"So, I think if it comes, then brilliant, I'd love to wear the jersey again, but if we're playing well here and doing good things here, then I'm also going to be happy."
While a full Tigers back three in England colours may seem ambitious, the idea of club connections contributing to international success is not far-fetched.
Borthwick has often emphasised the value of club synergy, most notably during last year’s Six Nations clash against Italy, when five of the backline were Northampton Saints players.
If Leicester can deliver strong performances, with Hassell-Collins back in try-scoring form, his dream of representing England could become a reality once more, whether alongside his Tigers teammates or not.
In terms of Leicester overall, new club captain Ollie Chessum has been cleared to make his club return this weekend, earlier than expected.
While most members of the recent British & Irish Lions squad are not due back with their clubs until next week, Chessum has been granted an exception by the player management group overseeing international workloads.
The 25-year-old endured a disrupted campaign last season, limited to just 16 starts, before featuring in all three Lions Tests against Australia over the summer. His reduced game time last year has opened the door for him to rejoin Tigers’ Prem Rugby campaign ahead of schedule.
Harlequins, however, will be without Chessum’s Lions teammate Marcus Smith. The fly-half has been instructed to complete a full 10-week rest period after a demanding 29-game season.
Teams News
Leicester Tigers: 15 Freddie Steward, 14 Adam Radwan, 13 Solomone Kata, 12 Joseph Woodward, 11 Ollie Hassell-Collins, 10 Orlando Bailey, 9 Jack van Poortvliet; 1 Nicky Smith, 2 Charlie Clare, 3 Joe Heyes, 4 Cameron Henderson, 5 Ollie Chessum (c), 6 Joaquin Moro, 7 Emeka Ilione, 8 Olly Cracknell
Replacements: 16 Jamie Blamire, 17 Archie van der Flier, 18 Will Hurd, 19 James Thompson, 20 Tommy Reffell, 21 Tom Whiteley, 22 Billy Searle, 23 Will Wand
Harlequins: 15 Tyrone Green, 14 Nick David, 13 Oscar Beard, 12 Jamie Benson, 11 Cassius Cleaves, 10 Jarrod Evans, 9 Will Porter; 1 Fin Baxter, 2 Jack Walker, 3 Harry Williams, 4 Chandler Cunningham-South, 5 Kieran Treadwell, 6 Jack Kenningham, 7 Will Evans, 8 Alex Dombrandt (c)
Replacements: 16 Sam Riley, 17 Simon Kerrod, 18 Titi Lamositele, 19 Jonny Green, 20 Zach Carr, 21 Max Green, 22 Sean Kerr, 23 Cameron Anderson
